Veteran Nigerian journalist and development data expert, Rotimi Sankore, has passed on at the age of 55.
Chief Executive Officer of RadioNow 95.3FM, Kadaria Ahmed confirmed the sad development in a Facebook post on Saturday, April 13.
“It is with deep sorrow that I announce we have lost one of Nigeria’s finest journalists and excellent all-round human beings, Rotimi Sankore. Rotimi loved Nigeria with a passion that allowed him to be honest about her problems and what needed to be done to solve them.
“Over the years, Rotimi spent time and energy trying to make sure those in government, policymakers and ordinary Nigerians understand what the numbers show, how they came about, what they mean and how they can help us understand what needs to be done.
“His work was insightful and significant, and it is his legacy. His death is a big loss. We will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his daughter and his family,” Ahmed wrote.
Rotimi Sankore was born in Lagos on June 5, 1968. He was a versatile journalist and leader with a profound impact on local and global journalism. He served in various capacities advocating for human rights, good governance, and equality.
Sankore was known as a writer, trainer, researcher, and leader. He held positions such as Executive Director/Editor-In-Chief at the Africa Centre for Development Journalism, where he supported organisations aiming for social, political, and economic change in Africa through strategic communication.
The seasoned journalist was also instrumental in pioneering the use of data and statistics for journalism and policy advocacy during the Millennium Development Goals era. His contributions extended to various publications and media outlets, including The Guardian UK and Nigeria Info Radio group.
He hosted programmes focusing on democracy, development, and governance issues. Additionally, Sankore played key roles in global and Africa-wide development advocacy projects, working with organisations such as UNFPA, UNAIDS, and the African Union Commission. He was actively involved in initiatives promoting gender equality and women’s rights, including coordinating campaigns chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Sankore’s legacy includes representing journalists from minority communities, advocating against racism, and training journalists and advocates. He was dedicated to advancing freedom of expression and associated rights, leaving a lasting impact on journalism and advocacy in Africa.